The Australian government released a comprehensive report on the Microsoft 365 Copilot testing results for the first time, with 5,765 participants from various government departments, positions, and job groups. The testing period lasted for 6 months from the end of 2023. The results showed that many employees favored the usage, although the actual usage did not reflect the enthusiasm.
Post-testing surveys revealed that 86% of participants expressed a desire to continue using Copilot, with 69% stating that it improved work efficiency and 61% reporting an enhancement in work quality. Surprisingly, 40% mentioned having extra time for tasks like strategic planning or engaging with stakeholders. However, only 1 in 3 users utilized Copilot daily, with 70% using it in Teams and Word primarily. Some voiced concerns about Copilot’s compatibility with Excel and Outlook, making it less appealing.
An unexpected positive outcome was observed among users with disabilities or from diverse cultural backgrounds, finding Copilot made their work easier. This implies that Copilot could attract more diverse talent or enable individuals to work more effectively in the long run. On the downside, some feared dependency on the tool or potential knowledge gaps among employees.
The report did not definitively recommend widespread adoption of Copilot but suggested a need for deeper analysis of usage patterns, encouraging sharing experiences, and continuous monitoring.
TLDR: The Australian government’s report on Microsoft 365 Copilot testing highlighted mixed user feedback, with potential benefits for diverse groups but concerns about reliance and knowledge gaps. No clear recommendation for extensive use was provided, emphasizing the importance of further analysis and continuous evaluation.
Source – digital.gov.au
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